Catfight: Second Base Showdown

I’m trying to remember a Tiger non-relief pitcher that’s been more universally criticized by fans more than my boy, Ryan Raburn. The current top choice of Jim Leyland to hold down second base gets booed more than the Klan at the Apollo. Yet he’s still out there every day, our very own Charlie Brown, giving it his all and failing more often than not.

But it IS the second half. Raburn’s hitting again, even if his glove still appears to be made of titanium. I thought tonight might be a good time to put Ryno up to the ultimate test. In this edition of Catfight, Ryan Raburn will be matched up against one of the most iconic players in Tiger history, especially with my generation of fans.

Second baseman Ryan Raburn…meet legendary Tiger second baseman Lou Whitaker. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. But let’s take a closer look in ten separate catagories.

1. Nicknamed by Fans

Whitaker: “Sweet” Lou, SweetnessRaburn: Rayburn, Fuckhead

Advantage: Whitaker. You guys are mean.

2. Career First/Second Half Averages

Whitaker: .279/.274Raburn: .228/.293

Advantage: Whitaker. It’s called consistency, Ryan. But Raburn’s a second half BEAST!

3. Defensive Ability

Whitaker: Three Gold GlovesRaburn: The reason the facepalm was invented.

Advantage: Raburn. I don’t know anything about Plant City except that it’s about 11 miles away from Lakeland. But I’ve been to Lakeland. There are two things to do there. One, watch the Tigers in spring training. Two, kill yourself. Terrible, depressing city.